Table of Contents
Threats, Coercion, and Bullying at Missouri State
This short documentary covers FIRE's case at Missouri State University, where social work student Emily Brooker was threatened with expulsion after she refused (as a matter of personal belief) to send a signed letter to the Missouri state legislature in favor of homosexual foster parenting and adoption. This violation resulted not only in a federal lawsuit (which the school settled) but also in an official report that found that a culture of intimidation rife in the school's School of Social Work. For instance, many students and faculty stated a fear of voicing differing opinions from the instructor or colleague, and bullying was used by both students and faculty to characterize specific faculty. The 12-minute documentary features interviews with Brooker, faculty at MSU involved in the case, and Missouri state legislator Jane Cunningham.

Recent Articles
Get the latest free speech news and analysis from FIRE.

We are in the cancel culture part of the tragedy cycle

2026 College Free Speech Rankings: America’s colleges get an ‘F’ for poor free speech climate

Student acceptance of violence in response to speech hits a record high
